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Rachel V Thomas

Jodie Foster: 15-Foot Python ‘Bright And Feisty’ After Human Cancer Therapy For Jaw Tumor

Jodie Foster: 15-Foot Python ‘Bright And Feisty’ After Human Cancer Therapy For Jaw Tumour

In a world first, a 15-foot <span>reticulated python</span> named <span>Jodie Foster</span> has successfully undergone <span>electrochemotherapy</span>, a pioneering cancer treatment usually used in humans.

The reticulated <span>python</span> is a species native to South and Southeast Asia. It is the world’s longest snake and the third heaviest. 

The 50kg python, named Jodie Foster after the Hollywood star, underwent the treatment after being  diagnosed with fibrosarcoma, a malignant tumor, in her jaw. The tumor was initially removed through surgery but later returned and began invading her jawbone.

“Months later, 50kg Jodie Foster is cancer-free and back to her usual ‘bright and feisty’ self,” Chester Zoo in the UK said in a statement.

Keepers became concerned when Jodie started eating less and became more inactive. Tests confirmed a fibrosarcoma in her jaw. Vets initially removed the tumor through surgery.

Tests confirmed she had a fibrosarcoma, a malignant tumor, in her jaw. Although vets initially removed the tumor, it later returned and started destroying part of her jawbone. Doctors feared further surgery alone would not be enough and that the tumor could eventually make it difficult for her to eat.

“We were facing the possibility of losing her as the tumor made it more and more difficult for her to eat, so we worked with cancer specialists to see whether we could adapt electrochemotherapy for a snake," said Ian Ashpole, Veterinary Officer at Chester Zoo : 

“As far as we're aware, this is the first time it's ever been used in one," Ashpole added.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/moderna-and-mercks-custom-made-mrna-cancer-vaccine-shows-promise-in-late-stage-melanoma-trial-article-155785421" data-type="tilCustomLink">Moderna and Merck’s Custom-Made mRNA Cancer Vaccine Shows Promise In Late-Stage Melanoma Trial</a>

<h2>How Was The Human Cancer Treatment Adapted For A Snake?</h2>

With no operating table large enough for a python of Jodie's size, the veterinary team had to improvise.

For the operation that lasted 90 minutes, Jodie was first anaesthetized in her habitat before being taken to the veterinary center.

Two operating tables were placed together to create a surface roughly the size of a double bed. Heated blankets and warm air were also used to keep her body temperature stable.

Dr. Ashpole first removed the tumor and performed a hemi-mandibulectomy, removing part of the diseased jawbone. Electrochemotherapy was then used to target any remaining cancer cells.

<h2>What Is Electrochemotherapy? How Does It Work?</h2>

According to Cancer Research UK, electrochemotherapy combines chemotherapy with small electrical pulses.

It is used to treat some cancers that begin in the skin or have spread to the skin. However, its use in Jodie Foster marks a world first in veterinary medicine for a snake.

“Electrochemotherapy is an emerging treatment, and this was the first time it had been used in a snake,” said Jose Alvares Picornell, Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, who was part of the three-hour-long surgery.

The treatment combines the cancer drug bleomycin with carefully controlled electrical pulses delivered directly to the tumor site.

<ul><li>The electrical pulses temporarily make cancer cells more permeable.</li><li>This allows the drug to enter the cells more effectively.</li><li>The approach can allow lower doses of chemotherapy to be used.</li><li>It can sometimes be delivered in a single procedure.</li></ul>

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/microplastics-found-in-anchovies-edible-muscle-what-it-means-for-brain-health-article-155908732" data-type="tilCustomLink">Microplastics Found In Anchovies’ Edible Muscle: What It Means For Brain Health</a>

<h2>Jodie Foster Back 'Bright And Feisty'</h2>

Despite losing part of her jawbone, Jodie's appetite and hunting ability have not been affected, the Zoo officials said, adding that she continues to strike, grip and swallow food without difficulty.

Months of observation have shown no problems with feeding, and a final check confirmed that she remains free of signs of the cancer returning. The officials added that Jodie is eating normally, exploring her habitat and behaving as usual.

“Seeing her back to her normal bright and feisty self has been incredibly rewarding. A few months ago, we genuinely didn't know whether she'd survive," Dr Ashpole added.

Health Conditions A-Z

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Python

Jodie Foster

Human Cancer Therapy for snake

Jodie Foster Jaw Tumor

electrochemotherapy

reticulated python

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In a world first, a 15-foot reticulated python named Jodie Foster has successfully undergone electrochemotherapy, a pioneering cancer treatment usually used in humans.The reticulated python is a species native to South and Southeast Asia. It is the world’s longest snake and the third heaviest. The 50kg python, named Jodie Foster after the Hollywood star, underwent the treatment after being  diagnosed with fibrosarcoma, a malignant tumor, in her jaw. The tumor was initially removed through surgery but later returned and began invading her jawbone.“Months later, 50kg Jodie Foster is cancer-free and back to her usual ‘bright and feisty’ self,” Chester Zoo in the UK said in a statement. What Happened To Jodie Foster?Keepers became concerned when Jodie started eating less and became more inactive. Tests confirmed a fibrosarcoma in her jaw. Vets initially removed the tumor through surgery.Tests confirmed she had a fibrosarcoma, a malignant tumor, in her jaw. Although vets initially removed the tumor, it later returned and started destroying part of her jawbone. Doctors feared further surgery alone would not be enough and that the tumor could eventually make it difficult for her to eat.“We were facing the possibility of losing her as the tumor made it more and more difficult for her to eat, so we worked with cancer specialists to see whether we could adapt electrochemotherapy for a snake," said Ian Ashpole, Veterinary Officer at Chester Zoo : “As far as we're aware, this is the first time it's ever been used in one," Ashpole added.Also read: Moderna and Merck’s Custom-Made mRNA Cancer Vaccine Shows Promise In Late-Stage Melanoma TrialHow Was The Human Cancer Treatment Adapted For A Snake?With no operating table large enough for a python of Jodie's size, the veterinary team had to improvise.For the operation that lasted 90 minutes, Jodie was first anaesthetized in her habitat before being taken to the veterinary center.Two operating tables were placed together to create a surface roughly the size of a double bed. Heated blankets and warm air were also used to keep her body temperature stable.Dr. Ashpole first removed the tumor and performed a hemi-mandibulectomy, removing part of the diseased jawbone. Electrochemotherapy was then used to target any remaining cancer cells.    What Is Electrochemotherapy? How Does It Work?According to Cancer Research UK, electrochemotherapy combines chemotherapy with small electrical pulses.It is used to treat some cancers that begin in the skin or have spread to the skin. However, its use in Jodie Foster marks a world first in veterinary medicine for a snake.“Electrochemotherapy is an emerging treatment, and this was the first time it had been used in a snake,” said Jose Alvares Picornell, Department of Small Animal Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, who was part of the three-hour-long surgery.The treatment combines the cancer drug bleomycin with carefully controlled electrical pulses delivered directly to the tumor site.The electrical pulses temporarily make cancer cells more permeable.This allows the drug to enter the cells more effectively.The approach can allow lower doses of chemotherapy to be used.It can sometimes be delivered in a single procedure.Read More: Microplastics Found In Anchovies’ Edible Muscle: What It Means For Brain Health Jodie Foster Back 'Bright And Feisty'Despite losing part of her jawbone, Jodie's appetite and hunting ability have not been affected, the Zoo officials said, adding that she continues to strike, grip and swallow food without difficulty.Months of observation have shown no problems with feeding, and a final check confirmed that she remains free of signs of the cancer returning. The officials added that Jodie is eating normally, exploring her habitat and behaving as usual.“Seeing her back to her normal bright and feisty self has been incredibly rewarding. A few months ago, we genuinely didn't know whether she'd survive," Dr Ashpole added.